So I finally pulled the trigger on the Canon R10 last week and I'm honestly already getting a headache trying to pick a prime lens for it. I'm taking a trip out to Seattle next month and really want something light to walk around with but everything I read online just makes me more confused. I keep seeing people rave about the nifty fifty 50mm f/1.8 because it's so cheap like under 200 bucks but then other people say on a crop sensor like the R10 it's actually like an 80mm which sounds way too zoomed in for street stuff? Like how am I supposed to get a shot of a building or a group of friends if I'm basically looking through a telescope lol.
Then I looked at the RF 35mm f1.8 and it looks better for a general walkaround lens but it's like double the price and my budget is strictly around $350-$400 max since I spent so much on the body already. I'm mostly gonna be taking photos of my dog in the park and some street shots at Pike Place. Is the 35mm really worth the extra cash or is there something else I'm missing entirely because the math with the 1.6x crop factor is just frying my brain right now. Which one should I actually get for this camera?
Late to the party but be careful with the 50mm. Its effectively 80mm which is a portrait length, not for street. I would suggest the Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM as it fits your budget and gives a 45mm view. Before you buy, are you shooting your dog mostly in low light or daylight? That f/2.8 might be a limitation depending on your environment.
honestly the crop factor math is a nightmare when you're starting out so dont feel bad. over the years ive shot with basically every sensor size under the sun and i can tell you right now that a 50mm on an r10 is basically a dedicated portrait lens. great for blurry backgrounds of your dog but youll hate it for walking around pike place because you wont be able to fit anything in the frame. if i were in your shoes with that $400 budget i would look at these two:
- Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM - this is the absolute best street lens for the r10 imo. its tiny so your camera will feel like a point and shoot. on your sensor its like a 45mm which is the classic normal view. perfect for street shots and buildings.
- Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM - if you can find one used or on sale it gives you a 56mm view. its better for your dog photos because of the faster aperture but its significantly bulkier than the 28mm pancake lens. stick with the 28mm for seattle tho. its wide enough to actually capture the vibe of the city without you having to stand across the street and pray no cars get in the way... plus its well within your price range.
Can confirm
